Swimming

• Shower before you enter the pool.
• Swimming without a lifeguard present is prohibited. All swimmers needing a floatation device must remain in the shallow end. All children must be accompanied by their guardian. Arm inflatable “water wings” prohibited – they come off or deflate too easily. When in doubt of ability, administer a swim test to a child.  A floatation belt or life jacket must be worn if the child cannot pass the swim test.
• Swim test will be administered to ALL children 12 years old and under per Y-USA guidelines.
• Floatation devices are prohibited without authorization from the Natatorium Director.
• Breath-holding activities are not permitted in YMCA pools.
• Proper swimming attire must be worn at ALL times.
• Running on the deck, hallways, or locker rooms is not permitted.
• No food or soft drinks in the pool – water is allowed.
• Horseplay of any kind will not be tolerated. All swimmers must keep their hands to themselves in and out of the water.
• YMCA equipment is for instructor use only. ONLY EMPLOYEES MAY ENTER THE STAFF LOCKER/EQUIPMENT ROOM! Noodles, toys etc. are only for swimming lessons.  Goggles & flippers are swim team property.  Kickboards and pull buoys are only for lap swimmers.  Kickboards are NOT frisbees or floatation devices.  Noodles are NEVER to be used for smacking the water or swimmers.  NEVER allow swimmers to blow water thru the ends of the noodles. GERMS!
• Enforce swimmers looking into the water before they dive or jump. No running, twisting, or backwards entry.  Diving only permitted in 5’ or greater.
• Hanging or resting on lap lane dividers is not permitted.
• Starting blocks are for swim team use only under the direction of the swim team coach. They are not for climbing, hanging on, or diving.
• Ladders and stairs are for entering and exiting the pool. They are not to be played on, or jumped off or around.
• When entering the water from the ledge or the pool deck, you must be facing forward, feet first.
• When entering the water from the stairs or ladders, you must be facing backwards.
• Anyone who has an open cut or wound are not permitted in the pool.
• The safety line must be up during all open swims. Never allow swimmers to hang on the rope or lap lanes.
• Lap lanes are only for lap swimmers.
• No pulling on the backstroke flags.
• No gum chewing while swimming.
• Infants must wear swim diapers.
• Respect the lifeguard’s authority. Lifeguards have the final word.

Revised 11.07.24

1. Lap swim is permitted only in the area designated by the lifeguard on duty.
2. In the lanes designated for lap swimming during the hours of operation, priority for lane space will be given to lap swimmers. At the discretion of the lifeguard, all non-lap swim activity must discontinue if the are is needed for lap swimmers.
3. Expect to share a lane. When sharing a lane remember:
   • It’s essential to give your fellow swimmers adequate space. When using the split lane approach, stay close to your side of the lane to avoid a head-on collision. When circle swimming, push off when the other swimmer is halfway down the lane. If there are more than two of you in the lane, try to time your push off so you’re halfway between the swimmer ahead of you and the swimmer behind you.
   • Never push off the wall when another swimmer is approaching the wall to turn. Doing so is very poor lap swim etiquette, as it can easily result in a head-on collision or startle the oncoming swimmer.
   • When circle swimming, make sure you turn at the center of the wall, especially when doing a flip turn! Doing this will help avoid head-on collisions and injuries.
   • Tap to pass – If you need to pass the swimmer in front of you, tap them on the foot to let them know. It’s proper pool etiquette for lap swimmers to pass on the inside of the swim lane.
   • If you feel someone tap on your foot, don’t stop swimming. Simply slow your stride and move closer to the outside of the lane (as much as possible). If your fellow swimmer gives you a tap just before the turn, yield to them at the wall. Move to the far side of the lane line (right side if you’re swimming counterclockwise and left side if you are going clockwise) and let them pass.
   • Never stop in the middle of the lane and never grab onto the lane lines (also known as the lane dividers). Wait until you get to the wall if you need to adjust your swim cap, suit, or goggles.
   • Never stop in the middle of the lane. If you get tired during your swim, take a breather at a corner of the wall. Take breaks in the right corner for counterclockwise swims, and for clockwise swims, it is the left corner.
   • Hand paddles are made of hard plastic, so be mindful of your stroke when using them. Trust us; if you accidentally hit someone with paddles on, it won’t feel good for either of you.
   • Certain strokes require more space than others. For example, butterfly and breaststroke use wide strokes that increase your chances of hitting someone else if you’re sharing a lane. If you choose to swim either of these styles, you’ll need to be very aware of others around you and time your strokes to avoid hitting oncoming swimmers.
   • Backstroke is another swim style you may want to avoid if someone else is swimming in your lane. In this case, only swim backstroke if you’re a skilled swimmer and are confident you won’t veer into oncoming swimmers.
4. Circle swim in a counter-clockwise direction when swimming in a lane with more than two people. Split lane swim when there are only 2 people.

5. Make shallow water lanes available to inexperienced swimmers if requested. The lifeguard on duty has final authority on placement of swimmers due to ability level.
6. Kickboards and pull-buoys are provided for lap swimmers engaging in exercise and training activities. Equipment is not to be used as a floatation device for non-swimmers.
7. Floatation devices are prohibited without authorization from the Natatorium Director.
8. Use of toys is prohibited during general lap swim hours and in lanes designated for lap swim.
9. Use of starting platforms is restricted to authorized swimmers or approved groups under the direct supervision of YMCA certified coaches or instructors.

All general pool rules and health department rules apply.